South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide: Palmetto Pass, Rates & Payment 2025
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South Carolina Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Very limited toll roads - only one active toll facility
Coverage: Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville only
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Palmetto Pass transponders + Cash payment
Operators: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
Do I Need a Palmetto Pass for South Carolina? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a Palmetto Pass to drive in South Carolina - but you'll save money with one on the Southern Connector. South Carolina has extremely limited toll facilities with only one active toll road remaining statewide.
Key Reality: South Carolina is largely toll-free. The Southern Connector (I-185) is the state's only toll road, offering modest savings for Palmetto Pass users ($4.30 vs $4.50 cash for full trip).
2025 Update: Cross Island Parkway (US 278) tolls were eliminated June 30, 2021, leaving only the Southern Connector. The former Cross Island toll plaza is being demolished as part of highway conversion project.
South Carolina Toll Costs: Current Rates
South Carolina has minimal toll infrastructure with only one active toll road: the Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville. Rates are fixed and straightforward.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | Palmetto Pass Rate | Cash Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Connector (I-185) | $4.30 (full trip) | $4.50 (full trip) | Active - Only toll road |
| - East Plaza (I-185) | $1.85 | $2.00 | Individual toll point |
| - West Plaza (I-185) | $1.85 | $2.00 | Individual toll point |
| Cross Island Parkway (US 278) | $0.00 | $0.00 | REMOVED June 30, 2021 |
Vehicle Classification Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Axles | Palmetto Pass | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs | 2 axles | $4.30 | $4.50 |
| Small Trucks, Large SUVs | 3 axles | $5.95 | $6.15 |
| Medium Trucks | 4 axles | $7.60 | $7.80 |
| Large Trucks | 5+ axles | $9.25 | $9.45 |
South Carolina Toll Coverage (2025)
Active Toll Facility: Southern Connector (I-185) - 16-mile spur route connecting I-85 to I-385 near Greenville
Toll-Free Areas: All other highways, interstates, and bridges statewide
How to Pay South Carolina Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on the Southern Connector:
1. Palmetto Pass (Electronic):
- Modest savings: $0.20 discount per full trip
- Works only on Southern Connector (not compatible with other states)
- Free transponder with account setup
- Automatic account deduction
2. Cash Payment:
- Accepted at both toll plazas
- Exact change recommended
- Staffed toll booths available
- Slightly higher rates than Palmetto Pass
3. Credit Card:
- Accepted at mainline toll plaza
- Same rates as cash payment
- Major credit cards accepted
4. Violation Processing:
- Pledge to Pay forms available if you miss payment
- 30-day grace period to resolve violations
- Additional fees apply after 30 days
- No license plate tolling system
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across South Carolina toll roads, use TollGuru South Carolina toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Cross Island Parkway Toll Removal:
- Tolls eliminated June 30, 2021 after bonds were paid off
- Toll plaza demolition project ongoing through 2025
- Road converted to standard free highway
- Palmetto Pass transponders were refunded to users
Southern Connector Updates:
- Rates adjusted January 2, 2024 with modest increases
- Enhanced customer service and violation processing
- Improved maintenance and infrastructure upgrades
- Continued acceptance of cash, credit cards, and Palmetto Pass
Statewide Status:
- South Carolina remains largely toll-free with minimal toll infrastructure
- No plans for additional toll roads or facilities
- Focus on maintaining existing free highway system
South Carolina Toll Facilities
Southern Connector (I-185) - Active:
- 16-mile spur route connecting I-85 to I-385 near Greenville
- Two toll plazas: East Plaza and West Plaza
- Provides shortcut for northbound I-85 traffic accessing I-385
- Avoids congested surface streets in Greenville area
Cross Island Parkway (US 278) - Former:
- 7.5-mile limited access route on Hilton Head Island
- Operated from 1998-2021 with $83 million construction cost
- Tolls eliminated June 30, 2021 after bonds paid off
- Toll plaza demolition project ongoing through 2025
Planning Your South Carolina Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Minimal toll expenses: Maximum $4.50 for Southern Connector
- Annual savings potential: $73 if using Southern Connector daily
- Most South Carolina travel is completely toll-free
- No toll roads near major cities (Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach)
Palmetto Pass Considerations:
- Break-even point: 23 trips annually on Southern Connector
- Not compatible with other state toll systems
- Limited usefulness for occasional travelers
- Best for regular commuters using I-185
Alternative Routes:
- I-85 to I-385 via I-26: Free alternative, slightly longer
- Surface streets through Greenville: Free but slower
- All other South Carolina highways: Completely toll-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid South Carolina tolls completely?
Yes, easily. South Carolina has only one toll road (Southern Connector). You can avoid it by using I-85 to I-26 to I-385, adding about 5-10 minutes to your trip through the Greenville area.
What happened to the Cross Island Parkway tolls?
Cross Island Parkway tolls were eliminated June 30, 2021, after the construction bonds were paid off. The toll plaza is being demolished and the road is now permanently free.
Is Palmetto Pass worth it?
Only if you use the Southern Connector regularly. The savings are modest ($0.20 per trip), so you need 23+ trips annually to break even. For occasional use, cash payment is simpler.
Can I use E-ZPass or other toll tags in South Carolina?
No, only Palmetto Pass works on the Southern Connector. E-ZPass, SunPass, and other toll tags are not compatible with South Carolina's toll system.
What happens if I miss paying a toll?
Fill out a "Pledge to Pay" form and pay within 30 days. After 30 days, you'll receive a violation notice with additional fees. South Carolina doesn't have license plate tolling, so you must pay at the toll plaza.
South Carolina vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Minimal tolls | $4.30-4.50/trip | One road only |
| Georgia | Express Lanes (HOT) | $0.50-8.00/trip | Atlanta metro area |
| North Carolina | Limited toll roads | $0.15-0.40/mile | Triangle area only |
| Florida | Extensive toll network | $0.05-0.15/mile | Statewide system |
| Tennessee | No tolls | $0.00 | All roads free |
| Alabama | Very limited tolls | $0.50-2.00/crossing | Few bridges only |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- South Carolina Toll Roads - Complete state toll information
- Palmetto Pass - Electronic toll payment system details
Neighboring State Toll Information:
- Georgia Express Lanes - Peach Pass system and express lanes
- North Carolina Tolls - Triangle Expressway and NC Quick Pass
- Florida Toll Roads - Extensive statewide toll network
- Tennessee Toll Roads - Toll-free status information
- Alabama Toll Roads - Limited toll facility information
Official Agencies:
- South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT): 1-855-467-2368
- Southern Connector Customer Service: (864) 527-2150
- Southern Connector Address: 3050 Interstate 185, Piedmont, SC 29673
- Email: customerservice@southernconnector.com
